KEEP ST PATRICK LOCAL… Young people enjoying the St Patrick’s Day parade
EVEN though St Patrick’s Day is only days away, the organisers of the Enniskillen parade and festival are already beginning to think about next year its the long-term sustainability.
Roisin McManus, the press officer for Project St Patrick admits that as with any event there will inevitably be some difficulties attaining funding, but is hopeful that the county festival will remain a permanent fixture
“Of course we would love to have a load of money, who wouldn’t? We have a wish list like any other project of things we could incorporate into the day if we had money to throw at it. However, as you know, the public purse is always stretched and if you look at other council areas, their parades are funded from the rates!”
“Mind you’, she added, “ we are growing and, we are looking to different funding streams. This year we were happy to be awarded Peace III funding from SWARD via the Council so that we could run cross-community arts partnerships that will culminate in participation in the parade.”
There had originally been plans to bring entertainment over from Germany. However, due to funding constraints, this was not possible.
Not to be deterred though, Roisin and those at Project St Patrick are already looking at securing their presence for next year.
“In reference to the Bielefeld circus, the idea proved too expensive for this year, but ground work is in place to fundraise earlier and have them here in 2014.”
Sunday’s cross-community St Patrick’s Day event is being delivered by the residents and businesses of the county with assistance from Fermanagh District Council.
Those involved in Project St Patrick continue to welcome donations and hope to sustain the long -term future of the festival in order to assist the economic well-being of Fermanagh.
For details or full schedule of the activities taking place, check out the ProjectStPatrick Facebook page or visit www.projectstpatrick.com.
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